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Sexual Abuse of 16-Year-Old Boy: Gender Ministry provides update on
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has taken a keen interest in the reported case of alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah, by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, at the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, as reported by media outlets.
Upon learning of the incident,the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Gender immediately initiated follow-up investigations to ascertain the facts and engage relevant stakeholders, including the victim’s family.
Findings
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim, Ransford Owusu Ansah, had been under the care of the coach for the past three years, unknown to his mother, he had allegedly been subjected to sexual abuse during that period.
Per the records, the victim had been receiving medical care since December 2024 and was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for medical treatment but unfortunately passed on.
The management of Siano Soccer Academy has suspended the coach and pledged fiull cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.
The Ministry empathised deeply with the bereaved family and emphasised that crime has no expiration and therefore remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family.
Minister’s action and ongoing efforts
When she assumed office in February 2025, engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on the matter to ensure accountability and stronger child protection mechanisms within the football sector.
Following this engagement, the Siano Soccer Academy, in addition to suspending the coach, temporarily closed the facility pending investigations.
Thereafter, the Ministry, through its Orange Support Center (OSC) of the Domestic Violence Secretariat,conducted investigations with the Amasaman DOVVSU and later referred the matter to the Greater Accra Regional DOVVSU.
The docket has subsequently been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the CID Headquarters by the Amasaman DOVVSU for further investigations.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has indicated that it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of every child in Ghana.
Through their decentralised structures including the Departments of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and the Orange Support Centre, the Ministry continues to collaborate with key partners and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice and protection for all children.
They urged the public to remain vigilant and report all suspected cases of child abuse and violence through the Domestic Violence call centre on 0800-111-222 or at the nearest Social Welfare or DOVVSU office.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
